Systems and Methods for Regulated Hybrid Gaming

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/181,190, filed on Feb. 14, 2014, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/855,676, filed on Apr. 2, 2013,which is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US12/40548filed Jun. 1, 2012 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/519,914, filed Jun. 1, 2011, the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to gaming and morespecifically to monitoring and controlling a hybrid game that includesboth a gambling game and an entertainment game.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry has traditionally developedgaming machines with a gambling game. A gambling game is typically agame of chance, which is a game where the outcome of the game isgenerally dependent on chance (such as a slot machine). A game of chancecan be contrasted with a game of skill where the outcome of the game maydepend upon a player's skill with the game. Gambling games are typicallynot as interactive and do not include graphics as sophisticated as anentertainment game, which is a game of skill such as a video game.

Entertainment games may include Digital Rights Management (DRM)components to ensure that unauthorized copies of an entertainment gameare not being used. However, the operations of conventionalentertainment games are not typically regulated by a regulatoryauthority. Furthermore, the DRM components typically do not provide thefeatures that are used to monitor and control a game for a regulatoryauthority.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the inventionregulate a hybrid game utilizing a regulatory scanning and screeningaudit (RSSA) module to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of thehybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorizedoperation of a hybrid game, comprising: collecting by a regulatoryscanning and screening audit (RSSA) module via a network, first gameoperating performance data (GOPD) from a plurality of hybrid games whilethe plurality of hybrid games are being played by a plurality ofplayers, the first GOPD comprising first game world credit informationfor first game world credit accrued by the plurality of players as afunction of the plurality of players' demonstrated skill at a pluralityof entertainment games of the plurality of hybrid games, and first realcredit information for first real credit committed by the plurality ofplayers to a plurality of gambling games of the plurality of hybridgames as triggered by the plurality of players skillful play of theplurality of entertainment games to accrue the first game world credit;generating by the RSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD,the reference profile including determining a first rate of accrual ofthe first game world credit by the plurality of players and a first rateof commitment of the first real credit by the plurality of players;generating by the RSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD,the reference profile a statistical model of entertainment game playoutcomes; collecting by the RSSA module via the network, second GOPDfrom the hybrid game while the hybrid game is being played by a secondplayer, the second GOPD comprising second game world credit informationfor second game world credit accrued by the second player during play ofan entertainment game of the hybrid game as a function of the secondplayer's demonstrated skill at the entertainment game of the hybridgame, and second real credit information for second real creditcommitted by the second player to a gambling game of the hybrid game astriggered by the second player's play of the entertainment game of thehybrid game to accrue the second game world credit; determining by theRSSA module a second rate of accrual of the second game world credit bythe second player and a second rate of commitment of the second realcredit by the second player; determining by the RSSA module whether thesecond player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner bycomparing the reference profile to the rate of accrual of the secondgame world credit by the second player and the rate of commitment of thesecond real credit by the second player; and generating by the RSSAmodule a notification to an operator of the hybrid game upondetermination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner, based on the comparison of the second entertainmentgame play outcomes to the statistical model of entertainment game play.

In another embodiment, the second GOPD includes user interface keysequences, and determining whether the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner includes determining if a uniquecombination of user interface key sequences are present in the secondGOPD that are known to enable unauthorized operation of theentertainment game.

In some embodiments, the second GOPD includes game object informationdescribing game objects used in the entertainment portion of the hybridgame, and determining whether the second player is operating the hybridgame in an unauthorized manner includes determining if known cheatobjects have appeared in the entertainment game by using the game objectinformation.

In another embodiment, the first GOPD includes first entertainment gameplay performance and the second GOPD includes second entertainment gameplay performance, and determining whether the second player is operatingthe hybrid game in an unauthorized manner includes if the second gameplay performance is superior to the first game play performance.

In various embodiments, the first entertainment game play performanceand second entertainment game play performance includes rate of scoringinformation, and determining whether the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner includes comparing the firstentertainment game play performance and the second entertainment gameplay performance to determine when the second player's rate of scoringis not supported by authorized hybrid game operation.

In some embodiments, the first GOPD and second GOPD includesentertainment game progression information, and determining whether thesecond player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized mannerincludes detection of a change in entertainment game progression.

In another embodiments, an apparatus for detecting unauthorizedoperation of a hybrid game is provided. The apparatus comprises one ormore processors, and memory storing processor-executable instructionscoupled to the one or more processors, the processor-executableinstructions when executed by the one or more processors cause the oneor more processors to preform a process comprising collecting via anetwork, first game operating performance data (GOPD) from a pluralityof hybrid games while the plurality of hybrid games are being played bya plurality of players, the first GOPD comprising first game worldcredit information for first game world credit accrued by the pluralityof players as a function of the plurality of players' demonstrated skillat a plurality of entertainment games of the plurality of hybrid games,and first real credit information for first real credit committed by theplurality of players to a plurality of gambling games of the pluralityof hybrid games as triggered by the plurality of players skillful playof the plurality of entertainment games to accrue the first game worldcredit, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, thereference profile including determining a first rate of accrual of thefirst game world credit by the plurality of players and a first rate ofcommitment of the first real credit by the plurality of players,generating by the RSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD,the reference profile a statistical model of entertainment game playoutcomes, collecting via the network, second GOPD from the hybrid gamewhile the hybrid game is being played by a second player, the secondGOPD comprising second game world credit information for second gameworld credit accrued by the second player during play of anentertainment game of the hybrid game as a function of the secondplayer's demonstrated skill at the entertainment game of the hybridgame, and second real credit information for second real creditcommitted by the second player to a gambling game of the hybrid game astriggered by the second player's play of the entertainment game of thehybrid game to accrue the second game world credit, determining a secondrate of accrual of the second game world credit by the second player anda second rate of commitment of the second real credit by the secondplayer, determining by the RSSA module whether the second player isoperating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner by comparing thereference profile to the rate of accrual of the second game world creditby the second player and the rate of commitment of the second realcredit by the second player, and generating by the RSSA module anotification to an operator of the hybrid game upon determination thatthe second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorizedmanner, based on the comparison of the second entertainment game playoutcomes to the statistical model of entertainment game play.

In another embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable media storesprocessor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructionswhen executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processorsto perform a process comprising collecting via a network, first gameoperating performance data (GOPD) from a plurality of hybrid games whilethe plurality of hybrid games are being played by a plurality ofplayers, the first GOPD comprising first game world credit informationfor first game world credit accrued by the plurality of players as afunction of the plurality of players' demonstrated skill at a pluralityof entertainment games of the plurality of hybrid games, and first realcredit information for first real credit committed by the plurality ofplayers to a plurality of gambling games of the plurality of hybridgames as triggered by the plurality of players skillful play of theplurality of entertainment games to accrue the first game world credit,generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, the referenceprofile including determining a first rate of accrual of the first gameworld credit by the plurality of players and a first rate of commitmentof the first real credit by the plurality of players, generating by theRSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD, the referenceprofile a statistical model of entertainment game play outcomes,collecting via the network, second GOPD from the hybrid game while thehybrid game is being played by a second player, the second GOPDcomprising second game world credit information for second game worldcredit accrued by the second player during play of an entertainment gameof the hybrid game as a function of the second player's demonstratedskill at the entertainment game of the hybrid game, and second realcredit information for second real credit committed by the second playerto a gambling game of the hybrid game as triggered by the secondplayer's play of the entertainment game of the hybrid game to accrue thesecond game world credit, determining a second rate of accrual of thesecond game world credit by the second player and a second rate ofcommitment of the second real credit by the second player, determiningby the RSSA module whether the second player is operating the hybridgame in an unauthorized manner by comparing the reference profile to therate of accrual of the second game world credit by the second player andthe rate of commitment of the second real credit by the second player,and generating by the RSSA module a notification to an operator of thehybrid game upon determination that the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner, based on the comparison of thesecond entertainment game play outcomes to the statistical model ofentertainment game play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a regulated hybrid games inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the placement of taps and within a regulated hybridgame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a regulatory scanning and screening audit module inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of hybrid game regulation utilizing anRSSA module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hardware architecture diagram of a processingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for a hybrid gameregulated by a regulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA) module areillustrated. In many embodiments, the RSSA module enables regulation ofthe hybrid game (such as by a regulatory authority) by logging,detecting and defeating the use of cheats, or other unauthorized hybridgame performance. In several embodiments, a hybrid game is a game thatintegrates both a gambling game that includes a real world engine (RWE)which manages the gambling portion of a game, as well as anentertainment game that includes a game world engine (GWE) that managesthe entertainment portion of a game, and an entertainment softwareengine (ESE) that executes the game for user entertainment. In certainembodiments, the hybrid game also includes a user interface associatedwith either or both the gambling game and the entertainment game.Various hybrid games are discussed in Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, entitled “ENRICHEDGAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT (SINGLE and/or MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINOAPPLICATIONS” and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, entitled “ENHANCED SLOT-MACHINE FORCASINO APPLICATIONS” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. The RWE, GWE and ESE are also discussedfurther below.

The RSSA module can monitor a hybrid game through tap points from whichthe RSSA module can collect data about the hybrid game. The tap pointscan capture data from the hybrid game at any point of operation withinthe hybrid game. The RSSA module can also control the hybrid gamethrough control signals sent from the RSSA module to the hybrid game. Inseveral embodiments, the RSSA module is part of an RSSA system thatmonitors and controls several RSSA modules. The RSSA module can alsoinclude a number of operating modes, such as a game supervisory mode, agame profile learning mode, operating monitor mode, audit mode andplayback mode. Each operating mode may also include a number ofsub-functions such as where an operating monitor mode includes a playerprofiling, keystroke scanning or game session recording sub-function.These modes enable the hybrid game to learn a profile and to monitor theoperation of the hybrid game to detect unauthorized usage of a hybridgame (such as with a cheat).

In numerous embodiments, a regulatory body or an auditor can utilize anRSSA module or RSSA system to ascertain the fairness of the system bydetermining that the entertainment portion of the hybrid game is notbeing manipulated by a player through the unauthorized use of the hybridgame, such as (but not limited to) through use of cheats or othermethods which may have been embedded in the entertainment game. Thenature of unauthorized use, such as cheats, is especially harmful in thecontext of a gambling experience, where cheats can be destructive to thefairness of the system.

System architectures for a hybrid game regulated by a regulatoryscanning and screening audit (RSSA) module in accordance with variousembodiments are discussed further below.

Systems for Regulating Hybrid Games

In many embodiments, a hybrid game provides players with high levels ofentertainment content with a game of skill in their gambling experience.These hybrid games provide a random outcome independent of player skillwhile ensuring that the user's gaming experience (as measured byobstacles/challenges encountered, time of play and other factors) isshaped by the player's skill. Hybrid games also provide for players togain entry into subsequent competitions through the accumulation of gameworld credits (GWC) that accrue as a function of the user's demonstratedskill at the game. These competitions can pit individual players orgroups of players against one another and/or against the casino to winprizes based upon a combination of chance and skill. These competitionsmay be either asynchronous events, whereby players participate at a timeand/or place of their choosing, or they may be synchronized events,whereby players participate at a specific time and/or venue. Aregulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA) module in accordance withmany embodiments can be utilized across a network to regulate a hybridgame.

A system diagram showing a number of networked hybrid games that areregulated in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. Thesystem 100 includes numerous hybrid games 102, each connected with andregulated by an RSSA module 104. In several embodiments, the RSSAmodules 104 that regulate the hybrid games are monitored by an RSSAsystem server 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid games 102,RSSA modules 104 and RSSA system server 110 communicate via a network.In several embodiments, hybrid games 102 can be connected by a network106 on a casino floor, and/or be connected to a network (such as a widearea network) to an RSSA system server 110 which can control variousaspects of the hybrid gaming environment, provide regulatory bodymonitoring, financial accounting and forms of frequent player monitoringfor marketing purposes. In various embodiments, the network 106 is theInternet. In many embodiments, an RSSA system can include one or moreRSSA modules 104 along with one or more RSSA system servers 110, whichcollect data and coordinate the activities of the RSSA modules 104.

Although a specific system architecture for a regulated hybrid game isdiscussed above, any of a variety of system architectures of a regulatedhybrid game can be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of aspecific application in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Inmany embodiments, aspects of the regulated hybrid game may bedistributed over one or more pieces of hardware and/or software, such assome elements running on a remote server, or on a server in the “cloud”(located over the Internet in a different location). In manyembodiments, a RSSA module and/or RSSA system contains a hardware and/orsoftware system that accepts data from a hybrid game to which it isconnected and performs monitoring of the hybrid game operation toprofile live operation against a pre-determined set of data.

Certain embodiments include storage of game reference profiles and ananalysis module (each of which are discussed below) in a centralizedserver, leaving other data collection and log file storage local withthe actual physical hybrid game. Regulation of a hybrid game from anRSSA module utilizing taps and control signals in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

Regulation of Hybrid Games

Regulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA) modules in accordancewith many embodiments of the invention can utilize taps to obtaininformation concerning a hybrid game. The information garnered from thetaps can be utilized to analyze the hybrid game and to regulate andcontrol the hybrid game. In some embodiments, the taps are locatedwithin the hybrid game's control logic. The taps collect data from thehybrid game and forward the data to the RSSA. In other embodiments, thetaps are part of message communication control logic of a host hostingthe hybrid game. The message communication control logic traps messagessent between components of the hybrid game and transmits these messagesto the RSSA. In yet other embodiments, the taps are included in controllogic that reads game state data and resource data stored and used bythe hybrid game and transmits the read game state data and resource datato the RSSA during the operation of the hybrid game.

A conceptual diagram illustrating the placement of taps within theelectronics of a hybrid game to enable an RSSA module to monitor thehybrid game in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2.The hybrid game 204 includes a RWE 208, GWE 210 and ESE 222 and gamblinggame user interface 230 and entertainment game user interface 234. Thetwo user interfaces may be part of the same user interface but areseparate in the illustrated embodiment. The RSSA module 202 canintersperse taps 212 to monitor any portion of the hybrid game 204, suchas directly at the RWE 208, GWE 210, ESE 222, or at the user interfacefor the gambling game 230 or the entertainment game 234. These tapsallow the RSSA module 202 to aggregate and analyze data concerning thehybrid game to reduce the likelihood that the hybrid game is beingutilized in an unauthorized manner (such as with a cheat). The RSSAmodule 202 can also control the hybrid game through control signals sentto the hybrid game 204. In many embodiments, the RSSA module 202 isimplemented as a plurality of separate modules that communicate with anRSSA system server. The RWE 208, GWE 210, ESE 222 and the RSSA module202 are discussed further below.

In several embodiments, The RWE 208 functions as an operating system forthe gambling game of the hybrid game 204 and controls and operates thegambling game. The operation of a gambling game is enabled by realfunds, accretes and declinates real gambling credits based on randomgambling outcome, and whose gambling proposition is typically regulatedby gaming control bodies. In many embodiments, the RWE 208 includes areal world (RW) operating system (OS) 236, random number generator (RNG)238, level “n” real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RC) 240, RC meters242 and other software constructs that enable a game of chance to offera fair and transparent gambling proposition, and to include theauditable systems and functions that can enable the game to obtaingaming regulatory body approval.

A random number generator (RNG) 238 includes software and/or hardwarealgorithms and/or processes that are used to generate random orpseudorandom outcomes. A level n real-world credit pay table (TableLn-RC) 240 is a table that can be used in conjunction with a randomnumber generator to dictate the real world credits (RC) earned as afunction of game play and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-Rc payouts are independent of playerskill. There may be one or a plurality of Table Ln-Rc pay tablescontained in a gambling game, the selection of which may be determinedby game progress a player has earned, and bonus rounds which a playermay be eligible for. Real world credits (RC) are credits analogous toslot machine game credits which are entered into a gambling game by theuser, either in the form of hard currency or electronic funds. RCs canbe decremented or augmented based on the outcome of a random numbergenerator according to the Table Ln-Rc real world credits pay table,independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, an amount of RC canbe required to enter higher ESE game levels. RC can be carried forwardto higher game levels or paid out if a game cash out is opted for by aplayer. The amount of RC required to enter a specific level of the game“level n” need not be the same for each level.

In many embodiments, the GWE 210 manages the overall hybrid gameoperation, with the RWE 208 and the ESE 222 effectively being supportunits to the GWE 210. In several embodiments, the GWE 210 containsmechanical, electronic and software system for an entertainment game.The GWE includes a game world (GW) game operating system (OS) 244 thatprovides control of the entertainment game. The GWE additionallycontains a level “n” game world credit pay table (Table Ln-GWC) 246indicating where to take input from this table to affect the play of theentertainment game. The GWE can further couple to the RWE 208 todetermine the amount of RC available on the game and other metrics ofwagering on the gambling game (and potentially affect the amount of RCin play on the RWE 208). The GWE additionally contains various auditlogs and activity meters (such as the GWC meter 248). The GWE can alsocouple to a centralized server for exchanging various data related tothe player and their activities on the game. The GWE furthermore couplesto the ESE 222.

In many embodiments, a level “n” game world credit pay table (TableLn-GWC) 246 dictates the GWC earned as a function of player skill in thenth level of the game. The payouts governed by this table are dependentupon player skill and game play at large and may or may not be coupledto a random number generator. In several embodiments, game world credits(GWC) are player points earned or depleted as a function of playerskill, i.e. as a function of player performance in the context of thegame. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical video game. Each gamehas one or more scoring criterion, embedded within the Table Ln-GWC 246that reflects player performance against the goal(s) of the game. GWCcan be carried forward from one level of game play to another, andultimately paid out in various manners such as directly in cash, orindirectly such as earning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, orearning participation in, or victory in, a tournament with prizes. GWCmay be stored on a player tracking card or in a network-based playertracking system, where the GWC is attributed to a specific player.

In some embodiments, the operation of the GWE 210 does not affect theRWE's 208 gambling operation except for player choice parameters thatare allowable in slot machines today, such as the wager amount, how fastthe player wants to play (by pressing a button or pulling the slot'shandle), agreement to wager into a bonus round, etc. In this sense, theRWE provides a fair and transparent, non-skill based gamblingproposition co-processor to the GWE. In the illustrated embodiment, thecommunication link shown between the GWE 210 and the RWE 208 allows theGWE 210 to obtain information from the RWE 208 as to the amount of RCavailable in the gambling game. The communication link can also convey anecessary status operation of the RWE (such as on-line or tilt). Thecommunication link can further communicate the various gambling controlfactors which the RWE 208 uses as input, such as the number of RCconsumed per game or the player's election to enter a jackpot round. InFIG. 2, the GWE 210 is also shown as connecting to the player's userinterface directly, as this may be necessary to communicate certainentertainment game club points, player status, control the selection ofchoices and messages which a player may find useful in order to adjusttheir entertainment game experience or understand their gambling statusin the RWE 208.

In various embodiments, the ESE 222 manages and controls the visual,audio, and player control for the entertainment game. In certainembodiments, the ESE 222 accepts input from a player through a set ofhand controls, and/or head, gesture, and/or eye tracking systems andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. Inmany embodiments, the ESE 222 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 210. In several embodiments an ESE 222 can beimplemented using a personal computer (PC), a mobile device such as asmartphone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a SonyPlayStation® (a video game console developed by Sony ComputerEntertainment of Tokyo Japan), or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game consoledeveloped by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.) running a specificgame program.

The ESE 222 operates mostly independently from the GWE 210, except thatvia their interface, the GWE 210 may send certain GW game controlparameters to the ESE 222 to affect the entertainment game's play, suchas (but not limited to) what level of character to be used, changing thedifficulty level of the game, changing the type of game object, such asa gun or a car, in use, requesting potions to become available or to befound by the character, etc. The ESE 222 can accept this input from theGWE 210, make adjustments, and continue the play action all the whilerunning seamlessly from the player's perspective. The ESE's 222operation is mostly skill based, except for where the ESE's algorithmmay inject complexities into the game by chance in its normal operationto create unpredictability in the entertainment game. Utilizing thisinterface, the ESE may also communicate player choices made in the gameto the GWE 210, such as selection of a different gun, the player pickingup a special potion in the GW environment, etc.

In other embodiments, operation of an entertainment game of a hybridgame by a player consumes one or more enabling elements (EEs) within theentertainment game. An EE is an element that is consumed by, traded orexchanged in, operated upon, or used to enable the entertainment gameportion of the hybrid game. There may be one or more types of EE presentin the hybrid game's entertainment game. Examples of EE include bulletsin a shooting game, fuel in a racing game, letters in a word spellinggame, downs in a football game, potions in a character adventure game,character health points, etc. The GWE can associate consumption of an EEwith the commitment or wager of RC to a gambling game of the hybrid gamewhereby commitment or wagering of the RC in the gambling game iscoordinated with the consumption of the EE in the entertainment gamebecause of actions of the player. Furthermore, the GWE can provide anincrement or decrement of EE available to the player in coordinationwith the gambling outcome of the gambling game such as by incrementingthe EE when RC is won or decrementing EE when RC is lost.

The GWE's job in this architecture, being interfaced thusly to the ESE,is to allow the transparent coupling of entertainment software to a fairand transparent random chance gambling game, providing a seamlessperspective to the player that they are playing a typical popularentertainment game (which is skill based). In certain embodiments, theESE 222 can be used to enable a wide range of games including but notlimited to popular titles from arcade and home video games, such as butnot limited to Gears of War (a third person shooter game developed byEpic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis (a shooter arcade game developedby Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), or Madden Football (an American footballvideo game developed by EA Tiburon of Maitland, Fla.), etc.). Providersof such software can provide the previously described interface by whichthe GWE 210 can request amendments to the operation of the ESE softwarein order to provide the seamless and sensible operation of the hybridgame as both a gambling game and an entertainment game.

In several embodiments, the RWE 208 can accept a trigger to run agambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 222 to the GWE 210, or astriggered by the GWE 210 based on the GWE's control logic, in thebackground to the overall game from the player's perspective, and canprovide information to the GWE 210 to expose the player to certainaspects of the gambling game, such as (but not limited to) odds, amountof RC in play, and amount of RC available. The RWE 208 can acceptmodifications in the amount of RC wagered on each individual gamblingtry, or the number of games per minute the RWE 208 can execute, entranceinto a bonus round, and other factors, all the while these factors cantake a different form than that of a typical slot machine. An example ofa varying wager amount that the player can choose might be that theyhave decided to play with a more powerful character in the game, orhaving a more powerful gun, a better car, etc. These choices canincrease or decrease the amount wagered per individual gambling game, inthe same manner that a standard slot machine player may decide to wagermore or less credits for each pull of the handle. In severalembodiments, the RWE 208 can communicate a number of factors back andforth to the GWE 210, via their interface, such as an increase ordecrease in a wager being a function of the player's decision making asto their operational profile in the entertainment game (i.e. power ofthe character, gun selection, car choice, etc.). In this manner, theplayer is always in control of the per game wager amount, with thechoice mapping to some parameter or component which is applicable to theentertainment game experience of the hybrid game. In a particularembodiment, the RWE operation can be a game of chance running every 10seconds where the amount wagered is communicated from the GWE 210 as afunction of choices the player makes in the operation profile in theentertainment game such as those cited above.

In many embodiments, a hybrid game integrates a video game stylegambling machine, where the gambling game (i.e. RWE 208 and RC) is notplayer skill based, while at the same time allows players to use theirskills to earn club points which a casino operator can translate torewards, tournaments opportunities and prizes for the players. Theactual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directly from gamblingagainst a game of chance, such as a slot machine, is preserved. At thesame time a rich environment of rewards to stimulate “gamers” can beestablished with the entertainment game. In several embodiments, thehybrid game can leverage very popular titles with “gamers” and providesa sea change environment for casinos to attract players with games thatare more akin to the type of entertainment which a younger generationdesires. In various embodiments, players can use their skill towardsbuilding and banking GWC which in turn can be used to win tournamentsand various prizes as a function of their “gamers” prowess. Numerousembodiments minimize the underlying changes needed to the aforementionedentertainment software (Gears of War, etc.), for the hybrid game tooperate within an entertainment game construct, thus making a plethoraof complex game titles and environments, rapid and inexpensive to deployin a gambling environment.

In several embodiments, a regulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA)202 module protects against unauthorized activities in a hybrid game(such as cheats). The RSSA module 202 can receive information from thehybrid game from taps 212 and control the hybrid game with controlsignals 218. A tap 212 can be a point from which an RSSA module gathersinformation concerning the hybrid game. In the illustrated embodiment,numerous taps 212 are utilized by the RSSA 202 module to gatherinformation concerning the hybrid game 204. The RSSA module 202 can tapaspects of the electronics that enable the gambling game, such as theRWE 208, communication between the RWE 208 and the gambling game userinterface 230, and/or the gambling game user interface itself 230.Likewise, the RSSA module 202 can tap 212 aspects of the electronicsthat enables the entertainment game, such as the GWE 210, ESE 222,entertainment game user interface 234 or communication between the GWE210 and ESE 222, or between the ESE 222 and the entertainment game userinterface 234. Likewise, the RSSA module 202 can tap 212 communicationbetween the RWE 208 and GWE 210. The information concerning the hybridgame garnered through taps enables the RSSA module to collate andanalyze the data to determine if any unauthorized use of the hybrid gamehas occurred (such as a cheat). In certain embodiments, informationgathered from the taps can be utilized to build a reference profile thatcan be utilized during game play sessions of the hybrid game todetermine if unauthorized use of the hybrid game has occurred.

The illustrated embodiment includes control signals 218 sent to thehybrid game 204 from the RSSA module 218 to communicate with and controlthe hybrid game 204, including but not limited to suspending the hybridgame 204 or only enabling certain functions of a hybrid game 204 asdescribed below, by signaling the GWE 210, RWE 208, ESE 222 or someother hybrid game 204 element.

In many embodiments, a RSSA module 202 can be part of an RSSA systemincluding a server connected via a network to a plurality of RSSAmodules, where the RSSA system can be in the Cloud or housed in aseparate discrete sever and where the RSSA modules can be separatephysical devices, or processes running in a larger piece of software, orany variation thereof. In several embodiments, an RSSA module 202 isconnect to a RSSA system over a secure interface.

Although specific taps 212 and control signals 218 are discussed above,any of a variety of taps 212 and/or control signals 218 can be utilizedby an RSSA module 202 as appropriate to the requirements of a specificapplication in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Regulatory Scanning and Screening Audit (RSSA) Module

Regulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA) modules in accordancewith many embodiments of the invention can include a data collectionmodule from which data from taps are collected and a game control modulefrom which a control signal is sent to the hybrid game. A regulatoryscanning and screening audit (RSSA) module in accordance with anembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The RSSA module304 includes an operating system 312. The RSSA module also includes adata collection module 314 which taps into the hybrid game and containsthe signaling and interface used to perform handshaking with the hybridgame and collect data output. Data collection storage 316 is includedfor data collected off the taps by the data collection module 314. Ananalysis module 324 is included that analyzes the collected data forprofiling against stored profiles in the reference profiles storage 320.The RSSA module includes a log files module 310 which keeps a completerecord of the activities of the RSSA module for audit purposes. The RSSAmodule also includes an optional RSSA system interface 306 that managescommunications and data exchange with an RSSA system 302 or othercentralized sever. Removable storage 308 may be utilized to take arecord of log files and other data off of the RSSA module. A profilelearning module 322 can be responsible for organizing signals and datafor a given hybrid game when the RSSA module is in learning mode andwhich serves as a baseline reference for the analysis module 324 (suchas but not limited to the creation of a reference profile). A gamecontrol module 318 can signal the GWE of the hybrid game to controlhybrid game operation. Lastly, a data bus 326 connects the abovementioned elements of the RSSA module and other elements in the RSSAmodule 304 together so data and signaling may be exchanged.

In several embodiments, data collected over the taps by the datacollection module 314 can be written into either of the data collectionstorage 316 or the reference profiles storage 320. Data collected overthe taps can be termed as game operating performance data (GOPD) and mayrelate to hybrid game performance and any operational parameters ofinterest. GOPD can be used to determine if the entertainment game isoperating in a manner in keeping with a hybrid game's authorized use(disclosed and approved game design). GOPD can include any data typewhich can be collected by the RSSA module 304 for performing itsanalysis functions, depending on the entertainment game type beingmonitored. In many embodiments, GOPD can include (but is not limitedto): all operator selections and operations on the user interface, suchas all the keystrokes, button presses and joystick movements made by theplayer; amounts and rates of RC commitment to a gambling game, amountsand rates of accumulation or loss of RC in a gambling game, a gamblingresult of a gambling game, amounts and rates of accumulation or loss ofGWC in the entertainment game, performance or rate of operation of agame object, such as a tool, weapon or other device operated by theplayer/character (e.g. rate of fire of a weapon or in the case of aracing game, the top speed and handling characteristics of availablecars); resource levels of a game object, such as in the case of aweapon, the amount of ammunition; success rate of a game object in itsprimary function, such as in the case of a weapon, its accuracy; thetype of resource expended by a game object, such as in the case of aweapon, the type of ammunition in use; performance characteristics ofthe game character, such as in the case of a wizard, the rate at whichspells are thrown, or in the case of a football player, his or hers'strength and agility; health points, stamina and other characteristicsof a character's makeup, such as in the case of a fighter, the staminalevel; the level or status of a character in the game, such as whatlevel the player is on or in what part of a maze they are; the types ofobjects that exist in the game space, such as in the case of anadventure game, the existence of a magic dolphin to ride, or a magiccarpet; the amount and type of special award object in the game space,such as in the case of an exploration game, health kits, ammo dumps orspecial clothing; shots fired upon and hits scored on a character by aplayer's adversaries in the game space, such as in the case of a shootergame, the amount of shots fired at the player and the amount of timesthe player is hit when being shot at by an enemy; the game virtualclock, or elapsed time in the game space; the identity of game elementswhich are to be awarded or intended to be drawn randomly by a player,such as in the case of a word game, the letters pulled out of the “bag”for use in spelling words, or in the case of a soccer game, the identityof players drawn by random draft; and/or a time stamped scriptingsequence of all pertinent game actions, modes and/or game states whichcan include the data necessary to run a playback rerun of the game forreview purposes.

In some embodiments, the reference profile includes a metric of gameplay derived from a discreet variable in the GOPD. For example, theexistence of an unexpected game object or component in a game, or aknown cheat game object or component, can indicate that a player isoperating a game in an unauthorized manner. In a like manner, thenonexistence of an expected game object or component can indicated thatthe game is being operated in an unauthorized manner.

In some embodiments, the reference profile includes a metric of gameplay derived from one or more of the types of data collected in theGOPD. For example, the type of GOPD data collected can include avariable having continuous values, such as the number of shots firedduring a gaming session. GOPD corresponding to the continuous variablecan be collected for one or more reference players and a statisticalmodel including statistical descriptors of the collected datacorresponding to the variable can be determined, such as by calculatingthe mean and standard deviations for a according to a probabilitydistribution. When a non-reference player is playing the game, thenon-reference player's GOPD is collected and a value is extracted fromthe GOPD corresponding to the continuous variable. The extracted valueis compared to the mean of the corresponding data in the reference GOPDand a determination is made of the difference between the extractedvalue and the mean of the corresponding data in the reference GOPD. Ifthe difference exceeds a specified threshold, such as by more than twotimes the calculated standard deviation for the mean value, thenon-reference player may be considered as operating the game in anunauthorized manner, such as by employing a cheat that enables thenon-reference player to outperform a reference player.

As another example of using one or more types of data collected as GOPD,metrics may be generated by applying various functions to the one ormore types of data collected as GOPD, such as determining differences,ratios, sums, products, etc. for the data values. For example, thenumber of hits scored by a player using a game object gun divided by theshots fired from that gun can provide a metric of the utility of thegun. Again, this metric may be treated as a continuous variable having amean and an associated probability distribution function. If a playerrealizes a greater utility from the gun than reference players whoseperformance metrics are included in the GOPD used to generate areference profile, it may indicate that the player is employing a cheatto obtain that greater utility.

As yet another example of using two or more types of data included inthe GOPD, an amount of GWC accumulated or lost, or a rate of GWCaccumulation or loss, may be used to derive a metric from other types ofdata included in the GOPD. Such a derived metric can include determininga ratio of an amount of GWC gained or lost during a gaming session to anamount of RC that has been committed, gained, or lost during that gamingsession. In a like manner, a rate at which GWC is accumulated or lostduring a gaming session may be compared to a rate at which RC iscommitted, won or lost during that same gaming session and can be usedas a metric included in a reference profile.

A flow chart of a process for hybrid game regulation utilizing an RSSAmodule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustratedin FIG. 4. The process 400 includes collecting (402) GOPD from a hybridgame through taps. In certain embodiments, the GOPD collected from thesetaps can relate to player actions (including player actions on its userinterface), decisions and skill parameters or entertainment gameoperation metrics of a plurality of functions (scores, scores foractions, game time clocks, word spell letters, shots, accuracy, weapontypes, potion types, game character parameters, health points, gameobject speed, etc.). After collecting (402) the GOPD, the RSSA modulestores (404) the GOPD. In many numerous embodiments, a RSSA modulestores a record of a game session or an internal ESE entertainment gamestatus and flags the session as requiring investigation or being invalidupon determining that a play session is suspicious or known to be in useof an unauthorized use such as a cheat. After storing (404) the GOPD,the GOPD is collated and analyzed (406). In certain embodiments, theanalysis is a comparative analysis of different live game play sessionsor between a live game play session and a stored game play session. Invarious embodiments, an RSSA module retrieves a pre-determined set ofknown cheat enabling user interface control operations, and performs acomparative analysis of the user interface control operations and cheatenabling user interface control operations. After analyzing (406) theGOPD, the RSSA module responds (408) to any detected unauthorized usage(such as a cheat). In many embodiments, the response includes signalingthe hybrid game to suspend its operation, sound an alarm, and interceptuser interface actions known to enable unauthorized use so that theunauthorized use is not communicated to the hybrid game, playing back ahybrid gaming session for further analysis or post some othernotification to hybrid game operator personnel (such as casinopersonnel).

In some embodiments, a comparative analysis is made of In someembodiments, a comparative analysis is made between an individual's gameplay profile and a reference profile to determine if the player'sprofile indicates that the player's game play performance is superior tothe game play performance reference profile. The determination can bemade by comparing individual types of data in the GOPD collected for theplayer to the same types of data contained in the GOPD of the referenceprofile. If the player has achieved higher levels of certain types ofdata, that is a superior performance, it can be determined that theplayer might be engaged in some form of cheating. For example, if therate that the player is accumulating GWC is higher than a rate of GWCaccumulation in accordance with the reference profile, it can bedetermined that the player is employing a cheat. Any of the types ofdata collected in the GOPD, or combinations of types of the collecteddata to derive a metric, described herein may be used in such acomparative analysis.

In additional embodiments, a RSSA module can retrieve pre-storedinformation related to hybrid game sessions, including but not limitedto audit logs, time stamped events, analysis, and raw performance andoperation data, and sends the data to an RSSA system to which it isconnected. In other embodiments, a RSSA module retrieves pre-storedinformation related to hybrid game sessions, including but not limitedto audit logs, time stamped events, analysis, and raw performance andoperation data, and sends the data to a removable memory device.

Although a specific RSSA module is discussed above, any of a variety ofRSSA modules can be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of aspecific application in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Innumerous embodiments, various components of the RSSA module can beimplemented in either hardware or software. In certain embodiments, someor the entire RSSA module may exist as software in the GWE, the hybridgame or a server to which the hybrid game is connected. In a number ofembodiments, the hybrid game itself to which the RSSA module interfacesmay exist in the cloud or a remote sever, and in such implementations,the entire RSSA, or portions thereof, including data collection taps andcontrol line signals, may only be comprised solely of software runningon a server or in the cloud, or some variation thereof. Exemplaryoperating modes and functions of an RSSA module are discussed below.

Regulatory Scanning and Screening Audit (RSSA) Operating Modes

In a number of embodiments, an RSSA module is configured to operate in avariety of modes to facilitate the regulation of a hybrid game. Avariety of these modes can be utilized as part of a process to regulatea hybrid game similar to the process illustrated above in FIG. 4.Although specific operating modes are discussed below, RSSA modules inaccordance with embodiments of the invention can be implemented using asingle or multiple operating modes including none, some or all of theoperating modes discussed below.

Game Profile Learning Mode

Game profile learning mode in accordance with many embodiments includesconnecting the RSSA module to the hybrid game to collect GOPD over thetaps and to analyze and collate GOPD while one or more reference playersplays the entertainment game in its various levels and options. Theresultant profile generated from the reference players is stored in thereference profiles storage for later recall. The net result of thisfunctionality is to effectively map out typical game behavior and createa reference standard used by the operating monitor mode. This mode mayalso operate as a sub-function of the operating monitor mode, where itcan continuously monitor live entertainment game play, performingvarious analyses and collating data of game play sessions seeking todevelop an ever improving reference profile of a particular game. Thedata collected in the game profile learning mode can then be shared bythe RSSA module with an RSSA system, which in many embodiments canorganize, analyze and condense information on various game profiles fromthe plurality of RSSAs to which it is connected.

In some embodiments, a reference profile is generated based on the gameplay of a single player, and the reference profile is stored along withan association of the reference profile with an identification of theplayer, thus creating a reference profile that is identified with theplayer. Then, when the same player is identified as playing the game forwhich the reference profile was generated, but at a later time orlocation, the player's operation of the game is compared to thereference profile identified with the player for that game. In thismanner, a player's own play history can be used to determine if theplayer has suddenly acquired a cheat and has chosen to employ it.Accordingly, the one or more reference players and the subsequent playerare the same players.

In other embodiments, the reference profile is generated for a hybridgame based on the play of the hybrid game by all of the players of thehybrid game, thus including in the one or more reference players a largepopulation of ongoing players of the hybrid game. Each player'scontribution to the reference profile can be weighted or averaged into aparticular metric of the reference profile depending on the type of themetric. For example, if the metric is a continuous value, such as theamount of GWC accumulated during a play session, the amount anindividual player accumulated during their particular playing session isincluded in the summed amount of GWC accumulated over all playersessions and the count of the number of player sessions thus accountedfor is incremented. If the metric is discreet, such as the identity of aparticular game object that is acquired during a gaming session, theprobability of acquiring that game object for any game session can beadjusted by weighting an individual event of acquiring the game objectby the total number of gaming sessions that have been considered whengenerating such a metric for use in the reference profile.

In yet other embodiments, the reference profile is generated by anoperator of the hybrid game based on the operator's preferences foroperation of the hybrid game. For example, the operator may establish aspecific maximum or minimum value for accumulation of GWC or some othermetric. As another basis for the reference profile, the operator maytake into consideration the control logic of the hybrid game anddetermine from that control logic what performance a hypotheticalreference player might be able to achieve. For example, if the analysisof the control logic of the hybrid game determines that consumption of aspecific resource in the hybrid game results in an accumulation of GWCwithin an expected band of values, that determination may serve as thebasis for generating a reference profile.

When an RSSA system determines that an improved game reference profilehad been developed, the RSSA system can push this profile over the RSSAmodules in the RSSA system, improving the connected RSSA module'sreference profiles. The net result of this logic and RSSA system can bea circular operation of ever improving game profiles references.Although specific examples of the game profile learning mode isdiscussed above, the game profile learning mode can perform using any ofa variety of processes as appropriate to the requirements of a specificapplication in accordance with various embodiments.

Game Supervisory Mode

Game supervisory mode in accordance with many embodiments can configurethe RSSA module to be responsible for signaling and communicating withthe hybrid game or one of its components in order to control the hybridgame. The RSSA module and the hybrid game can include a system tosupport this connection to be a paired with a secure interface toprevent unauthorized access to the various controls afforded by thehybrid game to the RSSA. In certain embodiments, a game supervisory modecan freeze the hybrid game and notify the player that a live inspectorcan perform a hybrid game inspection should suspicious hybrid gameperformance activity be occurring. Standard operating procedure mightdictate inspection by live casino personnel. In other embodiments, agame supervisory mode can control the hybrid game by putting the hybridgame into playback mode to aid in an inspection of a hybrid game (seeplayback mode below). In particular embodiments, a game supervisory modecan control a hybrid game by issuing a command to the GWE and/or thehybrid game to put a marker in the system related to that player's GWCaccount where an off-line investigation of the play session can takeplace to either certify the session as valid, or to put the sessionunder further investigation, or to void the session. Although specificexamples of the game supervisory mode are discussed above, the gamesupervisory mode can be performed using any of a variety of processes asappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith various embodiments.

Audit Mode

An audit mode in accordance with many embodiments involves configuringthe RSSA module to retrieve various log and data files and/or filesstored in the data collection storage and reference profiles storage forauditing purposes. In certain embodiments, data can be retrieved from aremovable storage device or the information can be uploaded to thesystem over the RSSA system interface. Although specific examples of theaudit mode is discussed above, the audit mode can perform in any of avariety of ways as appropriate to the requirements of a specificapplication in accordance with various embodiments.

Playback Mode

A playback mode in accordance with many embodiments can playback asession of the hybrid game. In certain embodiments, the playback modecan be initiated by the game supervisory mode. The playback can begenerated from user interface commands and hybrid game play statusscripts stored in the data collection storage during operating monitormode can be fed to the ESE where the hybrid game can be re-run and theresult watched on a video output device by an individual performing theinspection to look for unauthorized cheats or to review a flagged playsession. Although specific examples of the playback mode are discussedabove, the playback mode can perform in any of a variety of ways asappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith various embodiments.

Operating Monitor Mode

The operating monitor mode of an RSSA module in accordance with manyembodiments can operate to monitor any aspect of a hybrid game to detectunauthorized operation (such as a cheat) of a hybrid game. In manyembodiments, the operating monitor mode can monitor live entertainmentgame play by analyzing different aspects of a hybrid game, including butnot limited to determining if a unique combination of user interface key(buttons, joystick, etc.) sequences have been pressed by the playerknown to enable an unauthorized cheat. The operating monitor mode canalso determine if known cheat objects have appeared in the game (such asa special character, car or weapon). The operating monitor mode canadditionally determine whether the game is operating within normalbounds, or if overall operation is anomalous and suspicious such that anunauthorized cheat in the game may have been enabled by a player (suchsuspicious performance being for example super performance out ofcontext, a rate of scoring not supported by normal game operation orsudden interruption or modification of the game progression).Furthermore, the operating monitor mode can determine if out of rangeoutcomes are occurring, using statistical models and other analysis toevaluate play performance and comparing it to a known distribution ofoutcomes.

In many embodiments, the control between the RSSA module and the hybridgame may also provide for the RSSA module obtaining information relatedto the operation of the GWE, the status of GWC, operation of the RWE andstatus of the RC. This information can be useful to determine ifunauthorized use (such as a cheat) in some manner was able to impact thelarger operation of the hybrid game, thus triggering the flagging of thegame session or a voiding of the results.

In other embodiments, information regarding RC in a gambling game of ahybrid game is compared to information regarding GWC or EE in anentertainment game of the hybrid game, to determine if a player isoperating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner. For example, a rateof commitment of RC in the gambling game may be compared to a rate of EEconsumption. The rate of commitment of RC might also be compared to arate of accumulation of GWC. As another example, an amount of RC won asa gambling result in the gambling game may be compared to an amount ofEE incremented in the entertainment game as a result of the gamblingresult to determine if the player is receiving an EE for a source otherthan in accordance with the control logic of the hybrid game. As yetanother non-limiting example, an amount of GWC acquired may be comparedto an amount of RC accumulated, won or lost to determine if a player isacquiring GWC from a source other than in accordance with the controllogic of the hybrid game.

In some embodiments, player collusion within a group of two or moreplayers playing a communal or head-to-head game may be detected. To doso, COPD for each of the players of the group of players is collected aseach player plays the game. Each player's collected COPD is compared toa reference profile. If a first subset of one or more players of thegroup of players underperforms during the play of the game, as comparedto the reference profile, and a second subset of one or more players ofthe group of players over performs during the play of the game, again ascompared to the reference profile, a determination can be made that thegroup of players are colluding together to improve the performance inthe game of the second subset of the group of players by sacrificing theplaying performance of the first subset of the group of players.

Although specific examples of the operating monitor mode are discussedabove, the operating monitor mode can perform in any of a variety ofways as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application inaccordance with various embodiments. Furthermore, the operating monitormode can operate as any of a number of sub-functions, as discussedbelow.

Player Profiling Sub-Function

A player profiling sub-function that can be utilized as part of anoperating monitor mode in accordance with many embodiments involves theRSSA module building an ever more complete profile of a player (who issigned into the system under their user ID) so far as his/her skills,preferences and decision making characteristics in an entertainmentgame. This information, once processed into suitable form by the profilelearning module, is stored in the reference profiles storage. When inoperating monitor mode, the RSSA module architecture can allow thisplayer profiling sub-function to also operate in parallel (orpseudo-parallel) during game sessions. This sub-function allows the RSSAsystem to validate a player's identity and to screen for and/or lock outringers (which are players who play to build a low skill level profilein order to enter head to head tournaments and gain an unfair advantageover other players of a lower skill level classification). Thisfunctionality is intended to work in concert with a centralized RSSAsystem so a player profile can be monitored by any hybrid game connectedto the RSSA system. As such, when a player first logs in, or once aHybrid Game session is complete, the RSSA module can exchange playerprofile information with the RSSA system over its system interface.Although specific examples of the player profiling sub-function isdiscussed above, the player profiling sub-function can be performedusing a variety of processes as appropriate to the requirements of aspecific application in accordance with various embodiments.

Keystroke Scanning Sub-Function

A keystroke scanning sub-function in accordance with many embodimentsscans user interactions at a user interface to monitor a hybrid game todetect any unauthorized operation of the hybrid game (such as a cheat).These user interface actions (keystrokes, joystick, button presses,etc.) by the player can be actively screened for known cheat enablingsequences. Upon detection of known cheat enabling sequences, thekeystroke scanning sub-function can either flag the session to thehybrid game (such as directly to the GWE of the hybrid game), suspendoperation of the hybrid game, or filter out the sequence to effectivelynullify the player's attempt to enable the cheat, rendering the cheatineffective. Although specific examples of the keystroke scanningsub-function is discussed above, the keystroke scanning sub-function canbe performed using any of a variety of processes as appropriate to therequirements of a specific application in accordance with variousembodiments.

Game Session Recoding Sub-Function

A game session recording sub-function in accordance with manyembodiments records a game session such that the game session can besubsequently analyzed to determine if there is any unauthorizedoperation of the hybrid game (such as a cheat). In a game sessionrecording sub-function, the RSSA module includes a system to trap alluser interface actions by the player (button presses, keystrokes,joystick, etc.) along with entertainment game status data supplied bythe ESE into a session recording file stored in the data collectionstorage. This data can then be used by the playback mode at a futuretime. Although specific examples of the game session recordingsub-function is discussed above, the game session recording sub-functioncan be performed using any of a variety of processes as appropriate tothe requirements of a specific application in accordance with variousembodiments.

Processing Apparatus

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a regulated hybrid gaming system in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. In several embodiments, these processing apparatuses caninclude, but are not limited to, a gaming machine, a general purposecomputer, a computing device and/or a controller. A processing apparatusin accordance with various embodiments of the invention is illustratedin FIG. 5. In the processing apparatus 500, a processor 504 is coupledto a memory 506 by a bus 528. The processor 504 is also coupled tonon-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storagedevice 508 that stores processor-executable instructions 512 and data510 through the system bus 528 to an I/O bus 526 through a storagecontroller 518. The processor 504 is also coupled to one or moreinterfaces that may be used to connect the processor to other processingapparatuses as well as networks as described herein. The processor 504is also coupled via the bus to user input devices 514, such as tactiledevices like keyboards, keypads, foot pads, touch screens, trackballs,etc., as well as non-contact devices such as audio input devices, motionsensors and motion capture devices, etc. that the processing apparatusmay use to receive inputs from a user when the user interacts with theprocessing apparatus. The processor 504 is connected to these user inputdevices 514 through the system bus 528, to the I/O bus 526 and throughthe input controller 520. The processor 504 is also coupled via the busto user output devices 516 such as (but not limited to) visual outputdevices, audio output devices, and/or tactile output devices that theprocessing apparatus uses to generate outputs perceivable by the userwhen the user interacts with the processing apparatus. In severalembodiments, the processor is coupled to visual output devices such as(but not limited to) display screens, light panels, and/or lighteddisplays. In a number of embodiments, the processor is coupled to audiooutput devices such as (but not limited to) speakers, and/or soundamplifiers. In many embodiments, the processor is coupled to tactileoutput devices like vibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor isconnected to output devices from the system bus 528 to the I/O bus 526and through the output controller 522. The processor 504 can also beconnected to a communications interface 502 from the system bus 528 tothe I/O bus 526 through a communications controller 524.

In various embodiments, a processor loads the instructions and the datafrom the storage device into the memory and executes the instructionsand operates on the data to implement the various aspects and featuresof the components of a gaming system as described herein. The processoruses the user input devices and the user output devices in accordancewith the instructions and the data in order to create and operate userinterfaces for players, casino operators, owners, etc. as describedherein.

Although the processing apparatus is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with many embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as a USB memory device, an optical CD ROM, magneticmedia such as tape or disks, etc. Also, the storage device can beaccessed through one of the interfaces or over a network. Furthermore,any of the user input devices or user output devices can be coupled tothe processor via one of the interfaces or over a network. In addition,although a single processor is described, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the processor can be a controller or other computingdevice or a separate computer as well as be composed of multipleprocessors or computing devices.

In numerous embodiments, any of an RSSA module, RSSA system, an RWE, aGWE and an ESE as described herein can be implemented on one or moreprocessing apparatuses, whether dedicated, shared or distributed in anycombination thereof, or may be implemented on a single processingapparatus. In addition, while certain aspects and features of a gamingand regulatory monitoring system described herein have been attributedto an RSSA module, RSSA system, an RWE, a GWE or an ESE, these aspectsand features may be implemented in a hybrid form where any of thefeatures or aspects may be performed by any of an RSSA module, RSSAsystem, an RWE, a GWE or an ESE within a gaming system without deviatingfrom the spirit of the invention.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It istherefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described, without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention should beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of detecting unauthorized operation of ahybrid game, comprising: collecting by a regulatory scanning andscreening audit (RSSA) module via a network, first game operatingperformance data (GOPD) from a plurality of hybrid games while theplurality of hybrid games are being played by a plurality of players,the first GOPD comprising first game world credit information for firstgame world credit accrued by the plurality of players as a function ofthe plurality of players' demonstrated skill at a plurality ofentertainment games of the plurality of hybrid games, and first realcredit information for first real credit committed by the plurality ofplayers to a plurality of gambling games of the plurality of hybridgames as triggered by the plurality of players skillful play of theplurality of entertainment games to accrue the first game world credit;generating by the RSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD,the reference profile including determining a first rate of accrual ofthe first game world credit by the plurality of players and a first rateof commitment of the first real credit by the plurality of players;generating by the RSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD,the reference profile a statistical model of entertainment game playoutcomes; collecting by the RSSA module via the network, second GOPDfrom the hybrid game while the hybrid game is being played by a secondplayer, the second GOPD comprising second game world credit informationfor second game world credit accrued by the second player during play ofan entertainment game of the hybrid game as a function of the secondplayer's demonstrated skill at the entertainment game of the hybridgame, and second real credit information for second real creditcommitted by the second player to a gambling game of the hybrid game astriggered by the second player's play of the entertainment game of thehybrid game to accrue the second game world credit; determining by theRSSA module a second rate of accrual of the second game world credit bythe second player and a second rate of commitment of the second realcredit by the second player; determining by the RSSA module whether thesecond player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner bycomparing the reference profile to the rate of accrual of the secondgame world credit by the second player and the rate of commitment of thesecond real credit by the second player; and generating by the RSSAmodule a notification to an operator of the hybrid game upondetermination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner, based on the comparison of the second entertainmentgame play outcomes to the statistical model of entertainment game play.2. The method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein the second GOPD includes user interface keysequences, and wherein determining whether the second player isoperating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner includes determiningif a unique combination of user interface key sequences are present inthe second GOPD that are known to enable unauthorized operation of theentertainment game.
 3. The method of detecting unauthorized operation ofa hybrid gaming system of claim 1, wherein the second GOPD includes gameobject information describing game objects used in the entertainmentportion of the hybrid game; and wherein determining whether the secondplayer is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner includesdetermining if known cheat objects have appeared in the entertainmentgame by using the game object information.
 4. The method of detectingunauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system of claim 1, wherein thefirst GOPD includes first entertainment game play performance and thesecond GOPD includes second entertainment game play performance; andwherein determining whether the second player is operating the hybridgame in an unauthorized manner includes if the second game playperformance is superior to the first game play performance.
 5. Themethod of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system ofclaim 4, wherein the first entertainment game play performance andsecond entertainment game play performance includes rate of scoringinformation, and wherein determining whether the second player isoperating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner includes comparingthe first entertainment game play performance and the secondentertainment game play performance to determine when the secondplayer's rate of scoring is not supported by authorized hybrid gameoperation.
 6. The method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybridgaming system of claim 1, wherein: the first GOPD and second GOPDincludes entertainment game progression information; and whereindetermining whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner includes detection of a change in entertainment gameprogression.
 7. An apparatus for detecting unauthorized operation of ahybrid game, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors; andmemory storing processor-executable instructions coupled to the one ormore processors, the processor-executable instructions when executed bythe one or more processors cause the one or more processors to preform aprocess comprising: collecting via a network, first game operatingperformance data (GOPD) from a plurality of hybrid games while theplurality of hybrid games are being played by a plurality of players,the first GOPD comprising first game world credit information for firstgame world credit accrued by the plurality of players as a function ofthe plurality of players' demonstrated skill at a plurality ofentertainment games of the plurality of hybrid games, and first realcredit information for first real credit committed by the plurality ofplayers to a plurality of gambling games of the plurality of hybridgames as triggered by the plurality of players skillful play of theplurality of entertainment games to accrue the first game world credit;generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, the referenceprofile including determining a first rate of accrual of the first gameworld credit by the plurality of players and a first rate of commitmentof the first real credit by the plurality of players; generating by theRSSA module a reference profile using the first GOPD, the referenceprofile a statistical model of entertainment game play outcomes;collecting via the network, second GOPD from the hybrid game while thehybrid game is being played by a second player, the second GOPDcomprising second game world credit information for second game worldcredit accrued by the second player during play of an entertainment gameof the hybrid game as a function of the second player's demonstratedskill at the entertainment game of the hybrid game, and second realcredit information for second real credit committed by the second playerto a gambling game of the hybrid game as triggered by the secondplayer's play of the entertainment game of the hybrid game to accrue thesecond game world credit; determining a second rate of accrual of thesecond game world credit by the second player and a second rate ofcommitment of the second real credit by the second player; determiningby the RSSA module whether the second player is operating the hybridgame in an unauthorized manner by comparing the reference profile to therate of accrual of the second game world credit by the second player andthe rate of commitment of the second real credit by the second player;and generating by the RSSA module a notification to an operator of thehybrid game upon determination that the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner, based on the comparison of thesecond entertainment game play outcomes to the statistical model ofentertainment game play.
 8. The apparatus for detecting unauthorizedoperation of a hybrid game of claim 7, wherein the second GOPD comprisesuser interface key sequences, and wherein the instructions fordetermining whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner include determining if a unique combination of userinterface key sequences are present in the second GOPD that are known toenable unauthorized operation of the entertainment game.
 9. Theapparatus for detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid game of claim7, wherein the second GOPD comprises game object information of gameobjects used in the entertainment game, and wherein the instructions fordetermining whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner include determining if known cheat objects haveappeared in the entertainment game on the basis of the first GOPD andthe second GOPD.
 10. The apparatus for detecting unauthorized operationof a hybrid game of claim 7, wherein: the first GOPD and second GOPDcomprise entertainment game play performance; and wherein theinstructions for determining whether the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner include determining if the secondplayer is engaging in unauthorized operation of a hybrid game based uponif the second player's game play performance is superior to the gameplay performance reference profile.
 11. The apparatus for detectingunauthorized operation of a hybrid game of claim 10, wherein: theentertainment game play performance comprises rate of scoringinformation; and wherein the instructions for determining whether thesecond player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized mannerinclude determining if the second player's rate of scoring is notsupported by authorized hybrid game operation.
 12. A non-transitorymachine-readable media storing processor-executable instructions, theprocessor-executable instructions when executed by one or moreprocessors cause the one or more processors to perform a processcomprising: collecting via a network, first game operating performancedata (GOPD) from a plurality of hybrid games while the plurality ofhybrid games are being played by a plurality of players, the first GOPDcomprising first game world credit information for first game worldcredit accrued by the plurality of players as a function of theplurality of players' demonstrated skill at a plurality of entertainmentgames of the plurality of hybrid games, and first real creditinformation for first real credit committed by the plurality of playersto a plurality of gambling games of the plurality of hybrid games astriggered by the plurality of players skillful play of the plurality ofentertainment games to accrue the first game world credit; generating areference profile using the first GOPD, the reference profile includingdetermining a first rate of accrual of the first game world credit bythe plurality of players and a first rate of commitment of the firstreal credit by the plurality of players; generating by the RSSA module areference profile using the first GOPD, the reference profile astatistical model of entertainment game play outcomes; collecting viathe network, second GOPD from the hybrid game while the hybrid game isbeing played by a second player, the second GOPD comprising second gameworld credit information for second game world credit accrued by thesecond player during play of an entertainment game of the hybrid game asa function of the second player's demonstrated skill at theentertainment game of the hybrid game, and second real creditinformation for second real credit committed by the second player to agambling game of the hybrid game as triggered by the second player'splay of the entertainment game of the hybrid game to accrue the secondgame world credit; determining a second rate of accrual of the secondgame world credit by the second player and a second rate of commitmentof the second real credit by the second player; determining by the RSSAmodule whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner by comparing the reference profile to the rate ofaccrual of the second game world credit by the second player and therate of commitment of the second real credit by the second player; andgenerating by the RSSA module a notification to an operator of thehybrid game upon determination that the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner, based on the comparison of thesecond entertainment game play outcomes to the statistical model ofentertainment game play.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readable mediaof claim 12, wherein the second GOPD comprises user interface keysequences, and wherein the instructions for determining whether thesecond player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized mannerinclude determining if a unique combination of user interface keysequences are present in the second GOPD that are known to enableunauthorized operation of the entertainment game.
 14. The non-transitorymachine-readable media of claim 12, wherein the second GOPD comprisesgame object information of game objects used in the entertainment game,and wherein the instructions for determining whether the second playeris operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner includedetermining if known cheat objects have appeared in the entertainmentgame on the basis of the first GOPD and the second GOPD.
 15. Thenon-transitory machine-readable media of claim 12, wherein: the firstGOPD and second GOPD comprise entertainment game play performance; andwherein the instructions for determining whether the second player isoperating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner include determiningif the second player is engaging in unauthorized operation of a hybridgame based upon if the second player's game play performance is superiorto the game play performance reference profile.
 16. The non-transitorymachine-readable media of claim 15, wherein: the entertainment game playperformance comprises rate of scoring information; and wherein theinstructions for determining whether the second player is operating thehybrid game in an unauthorized manner include determining if the secondplayer's rate of scoring is not supported by authorized hybrid gameoperation.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readable media of claim 12,wherein: the first GOPD and second GOPD comprise entertainment gameprogression information; and wherein the instructions for determiningwhether the second player is operating the hybrid game in anunauthorized manner include detecting a change in entertainment gameprogression.